Tag: shopaholic

Boujee on a Budget: Saint Laurent
Were you ever on the verge of maxing out your credit card, so you swore to yourself not to put any more purchases on it until you’ve paid it down?

That was me about a month ago.

And then shopaholic me, realized it was long weekend and so the outlets must be having a sale!

When you shop enough, you can literally sniff a sale out.

Now, over here in the Great White North we have something called Victoria Day. Falling on the third Monday in May and blah blah, skipping the history lesson… it pretty much means an extra holiday. Thus, resulting in a long weekend.

This year, I was blessed to enjoy it. And enjoy it, I did.

I think my will power has gone down slightly since I’ve met bae – don’t tell him I said that.
I’m still very good at saving, but I’ve also been splurging on myself a little more than necessary – but then almighty question of life

Is it ever necessary?

Majority of the times no, so why not just say f*ck it and throw it in the bag please!

So I had a slight itch to buy something.
Like a real ‘treat myself, girl power, I deserve the world‘ kinda itch.
Meaning, no ordinary sale at TopShop would do.
And then ding!
I received an email from Coach for their long weekend sale – 70% all bags + wallets plus extra 20% of clearance.
Now that’s what I’m talking about – outlet sales.

So next thing you know I’m at the Toronto Premium Outlets.
Kate Spade and Coach had the same sale, so it was a matter of which store and styles I liked better.

Coach was the first store and I left empty handed. I did have a cute, light pink, snake skin, cross body, wallet bag in my hands, but wasn’t sold on the sale price of $100 so I put it down.
Kate Spade was next and I walked away with a belt bag and a small card holder, totalling just under $89. In complete honesty, I wasn’t completely sold on the belt bag and pretty certain I made the purchase just for the purchase.

My heart wanted and needed more.
My shopping itch was not soothed.

Now, with still only my – potentially returnable – Kate Spade purchase, I was in the last store of the day – Saint Laurent.

They hadn’t any of the purses or colours I like in there, plus they’re way above the price I’d pay – remember people, our VAT is not included. We pay 13% tax on top of the price tag. So if something costs average, $1000 that’s already an extra $130 I’d have to pay.

So I was just browsing around.

I’ve always found their sneakers cute, but they didn’t have the star ones I’ve had on my mental luxury wishlist.

But then… *cue heavenly music*

I saw these 😍😍😍

Super cute.
Super me.

With an outlet price of $339, it wasn’t bad at all.
Then add tax and it becomes closer to $400.
*womp womp*

That’s a little too much for me to pay for sneakers at the moment.

And then my sister overheard a lovely sales lady say the sneakers were an extra 30% off.

Huh? Ok.

Quick calculation and…

Excuse me… do you have this in my size?

Bae is a sneaker head, so I know with Jordans and Yeezys averaging $250-$300 before tax for regular releases, and not even considering the resell market, this shoe was a total steal!

And with them being sneakers not heels, I knew it was definitely going to get its wear. So it was totally worth it IMHO.

Plus, it was the last pair – which I’m sure is a just a line all associates use to solidify a sale end of day, but whatever. It works!

So allow me to introduce you to my newest Boujee on a Budget purchase.
You guys… 🥰🥰🥰

Shopping itch has been scratched.

Thank you and goodnight.

xo

Stephanie

Shoe: Saint Laurent

Model: Court Classic SL/06 Lolita Sneaker in Leather

Size: 35

Original Retail Price: $739 + tax

Outlet Price: $339 (plus extra 30% off) + tax

Sale Price: $237.30 + tax

Savings: over $560

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Check out my previous posts below
June 23, 2019
FAB FINDS Feat. Bath & Body Works
I’ve said it before – sales will forever be the death of my wallet.

Yes, I technically am the sole culprit, but retailer emails are definitely the accessory!

Though, it’s worth for my inbox to be flooded with subscriptions because sometimes they offer such great deal for insiders! – I just don’t need triple daily reminders *ahem* Groupon.

Left to Right: Limoncello, Cactus Blossom, Watermelon Lemonade & Midnight Blue Citrus

Based on the feature, you’re all probably expecting this to be a candle haul, but it’s not. And I surprisingly don’t own any B&BW candles. I know everyone goes nuts over their 3 wick candle sales, but I’ve had my eye on something else.

Recently, I’ve been in search of a new freshening room smell. My only scent had been bae’s old Eucalyptus Mint from Bath & Body Works.

And I officially can’t stand it.

So I made my way over to B&BW in the mall and spent ten minutes spraying all their fun scents in the air. Then I realized you can pretty much smell the cap without creating fragrance overload, but also… they have fragrance cards – oopsies!

Anywhos, they only sell the standard mini size now for $8 (1.5 oz). Which I thought was reasonable to try. So I narrowed it down to 2 – and just before I purchased it I said to myself,

‘I bet these are going to go on sale soon’

And 2 weeks later they did.
For $3.50.
So I went back.

I bought more of course!

They have so many options to choose from that are nice for all year round, but I wanted especially for Spring/Summer. I find them great to add just a little spritz of fresh aroma to any room when it needs a pick me up – hello, stale winter air anyone?

My faves at the moment are Cactus Bloom and Midnight Blue Citrus.

And honourable mention goes to Watermelon Lemonade… mmmm so yum.

I even got one called Happiness. It’s a more masculine scent for bae, that he can keep in his car.

What are your favourite sprays? Did any of you catch the sale? Let me know in the comments below!

But first, check out all my new scents!

xo
Stephanie

Watermelon Lemonade & Midnight Blue Citrus

Limoncello & Aloha Kiwi Passionfruit

Aromatherapy: Happiness

Midnight Blue Citrus & Endless Weekend

Bath & Body Works – Concentrated Room Spray
Limoncello
Cactus Blossom
Watermelon Lemonade
Midnight Blue Citrus
Aloha Kiwi Passionfruit
Endless Weekend
Aromatherapy: Happiness

Original Retail Price: $8 + tax each
Sale Price: $3.50 + tax each
Savings: $5.08 each

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Check out my recent posts below
March 31, 2019
FAB FINDS Feat. Kate Spade purse

Kate Spade you’ve done it again!
Back at it with your blasted ‘too good to pass up’ outlet sales.

I went in to your store telling myself, I’ll just look around for birthday presents for my friends. I really don’t need anything. I have too many cute coin purses, handbags and other accessories. I’ll just be in and out in 20 min. MAX.

And then I came out with another member of the Kate Spade family of purses. All because you had an extra 70% off and I have no will power when it comes to your store.

On that note, let me introduce you to miss finlee! At least that’s what the tag said, but I think I’ll name her Maude. She gives mature vibes.

This purse was a total steal though. It came to $81 in the end. And can we just look at this colour? And style? That’s what sold me. It’s not the signature Kate Spade shape. It’s not your typical neutral colour, but this gorgeous mauve. I’ve been totally feeling warm pinks and rose golds lately and so I couldn’t pass up this bag! Plus, it was the only one left in the store. So just didn’t have the heart put it down and let another soul pick it up – some shoppers have quick hands!

It belonged with the Luxe & Loaded – Kate Spade, family of purses.

Maybe one day I’ll be able to walk around your store and feel no type of way. Until then, check out more pics of my Fab Find below!

xo
Stephanie

Did you miss my last Fab Find feat. Kate Spade? See more here.

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For more pictures, follow me on Instagram @s_pasquali!

February 18, 2018
HAUL IT Pt. 3 Feat. L’Oréal

Just when I thought I was done, another beauty sale falls into my lap.

It was a never-ending cycle that week. And having already spent what I normally would in a year on beauty products, just in one week alone, I knew I definitely had to limit my spendings!

And I told myself, I’m allowed to spend no more than $50. Which seemed reasonable since I already had an idea of what to expect at this warehouse sale.

Then again that’s what I told myself about the Estèe Lauder sale.

So to conclude my makeup shopping spree… here’s my haul!

(Left to Right): L’Oréal, Styling Heat Spray, Vichy, Thermal Spa Water, L’Oréal, Straight Booster, Vichy, Idéal Soleil SPF 50, (Bottom) Maybelline lipsticks

I’m always looking for hair products that give me that ‘I just left the salon’ feel. I swear my hairdresser uses a magical shampoo and hair straightener, but she swears I can pull off the same look at home. So far, I can never get my hair as sleek and silky as she does, but I like testing out different products. This time I opted for a new heat protectant and a pre-conditioner smoothing treatment by L’Oréal. And at $4 each, you can’t go wrong.

The warehouse had a ton of Vichy products and I know how pricey they can get at Shoppers Drug Mart. Overwhelmed by all the night creams, I simply got sunblock and a facial mist. My sister convinced me to try the mist saying it contained minerals which was good for your skin. Later I find out that the one she tried was actually different brand, but the same idea. Did I really need a $9 water mist? No… but it’s hella refreshing and seemingly luxurious.

Lipsticks: (L) Matte, Blushing Pout, (R) Vivid Matte Liquid, Electric Pink

I was trying to steer clear of the makeup sections, but when I saw these 2 shades of pink I couldn’t resist. I love a bright fuchsia with black eyeliner and I’ve been looking for an everyday pink. Plus, I think they had a special deal for Maybelline lippies the day I went. They came in at $2 each!

Vichy, Dermablend Setting Powder

Now, one thing I’ve been meaning to add to my routine is setting powder. Originally I picked up the NYX Cosmetics Radiant Finishing Powder. It was a steal at about $5, but I found a tester and it was pure shimmer. No thanks. I’m all for a bit of sparkle and shine, but not a full face of it.
So I swapped that out for the Vichy Dermablend. This cost $10, but I prefer a matte finish since most of the bronzers and blushes I use already have a shimmer.

I spent a total of $47.46, tax included, so I came in under budget. Yay me!
However when you add up the total of all my hauls, well that’s another story. And to be honest, I haven’t done so yet because I know the final number is going to be appalling. Though, I’ve already paid off my credit card bill, so it doesn’t even matter anymore.

And I would have said that it was safe enough to say I won’t be buying makeup for the rest of the year, but there may be one more potential makeup haul to come. And this is the only makeup brand that I’ll make an exception for.

What is it? You’ll have to wait and see!
Until then,

xo
Stephanie

Click here to view pt. 1 of my NYX Haul.
Click here to view pt. 2 of my M.A.C. Haul.

April 25, 2017
HAUL IT Pt. 2 Feat. M.A.C. Cosmetics

In the past year my MAC collection basically exploded. And by exploded, I mean expanded. A very large percentage.
I went from not having purchased from them since 2010 to wanting all their foundation/base products and eye shadows. And in 2010 I last purchased some eye shadows from Santee Alley in L.A… so it was most likely way before that did I ever buy MAC.

No particular reason. I wasn’t boycotting them or anything. I do love their brand. And I like how they were founded in Toronto. It’s just their stuff is on the slightly pricey side for my taste. At the time, I didn’t want to spend $16 on a single eye shadow colour when I found other brands I was happy with (btw – their singles are now $19!). And I definitely don’t agree that MAC costs less in the States when it’s a Canadian product. C’mon people! Cater to your homeland.

It’s just one of those things where I know I’m being frugal, but I was okay with my makeup collection.

Then I got my first ticket to the Estée Lauder sale. Signed up for MAC Select. And KA-BOOM! My makeup got an upgrade.

So when I received an email that MAC was having their 25% off sale last month, I definitely wanted to take advantage of that. So I bought a bunch of stuff including, foundation, powder and shadows. Then of course, a couple of days after my purchase, I scored another ticket to the Estée Lauder sale.

*Cue racking up credit card bill*
And here is my haul!

Eye shadows: (Top) Beautiful Iris, (L) Crème de Violet, (R) Pink Venus, (Bottom) Bottle Green

(Left to Right): Studio Fix Fluid Foundation, Studio Fix Perfecting Stick, Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation

And my order came with a free sample of their newest perfumes. I picked Candy Yum-Yum.

Goodies from the Estée Lauder Sale.

MAC Objects of Affection: glitters and pigment set in Gold + Beige

(Left to Right): Lithe, English Gilt, Pretty It Up, Gold, Deep Brown

It was a BOGO free sale! 2 for $25

Eye Shadow: Moon Is Blue

I was doing really well at first at this warehouse sale since I had just bought my other MAC stuff a couple of days earlier. The only things in my shopping bag were the pigments and eye shadow. And I thought I was good to cash out since I was basically done the last room… but then my sister pointed out the GLAMGLOW table.

And once I saw those prices I knew I needed them in my life.

The cleansers retail at Sephora for $43 for the 5oz. They were selling them for $17.20! And face masks, the 1.7oz retail for $79 and they going for $31.60!

Like, hello? How could I not buy them??

Especially since I just returned a so called sample pack they were selling at Sephora for $52. Suggested retail value of $110, but when I opened the box, 4 out of 5 samples were the size of my pinky. And I have small hands.

Cleansers: (L) Daily Clearing Supercleanse, (R) Daily Hydrating Thirstycleanse. Masks: (Top) Flashmud, (Bottom) Youthmud

I wished they had other GLAMGLOW products, but this was already more than I could hope for, so I was very happy with my purchase. They only other items they had that I didn’t get were the Powercleanse and Powermud because they were oil based. Plus, I thought 4 products were enough as I haven’t used their line yet and I need to see if it’s a match for my skin. (I got 2 of the same item because seriously, how could I say no to that deal?)

And just before you leave the sale, they always give you a free gift. The day I went was a pair of MAC nail polishes – the same colour. And before you exit the warehouse, you have the option to purchase a MAC $5 or $20 gift bag. Proceeds go towards charity. In the $5 you get at least 3 full size products. Which is a steal, but at the same time always a gamble because you never know what colours you get until you open it. This time was a good one as all the colours are actually wearable. It came with one eye shadow and two lipsticks.

Eye Shadow: Hello, There. Huggable Lipcolour (L) Origami Orange, (R) Bonsai Bloom. Nail Lacquer: Screaming Bright.

So I did some damage to my wallet with the NYX, MAC and Estée Lauder sales. And I thought I was safe and in the clear, but then I got tickets to the L’Oreal sale.

It’s like they plan this. To have their sales all at the same time and they know that I can’t turn them down because my curiosity gets the best of me. Needing to know what they have on sale, just in case I miss a great bargain.

Read more on my NYX haul here. And Stay tuned for Pt. 3!

xo
Stephanie

April 11, 2017
HAUL IT Pt. 1 Feat. NYX Cosmetics

I have always been curious about NYX Cosmetics. I remember spending many hours watching beauty videos on YouTube, seeing makeup gurus swatch all the different eye shadow colours and liners from their hauls. There was something I found satisfying about watching other people show me all the stuff they bought… but then I’d get major jelly because we didn’t have such stores in Canada.

And so it wasn’t too long ago that NYX finally made it’s way to Shoppers Drug Mart and now, more recently they started opening up stores around Toronto. I could finally try all the products I had been watching others use for years!

Though when I made it to a couple of locations in the GTA, the products I wanted to try were out of stock every time I visited – I guess there were other makeup lovers just as excited as I was. So it wasn’t until I found myself in NYX at the Oshawa Centre that I was able to snag some items!

It was a bit of a hassle because I had purchased a few items, but when I got home, I received an email for their Family & Friends event they were having 2 days later. Oh the troubles of not having a data plan on my cell phone. It was 20% off the entire store! So 2 days, 4 receipts and 5 transactions later*… tah-dah!
It’s haul time!

(L): Jumbo Eye Pencil in Pacific, (R): Liquid Crystal Liner in Crystal Pewter Note: The website lists Crystal Pewter to be a purple, but I find it more of a blue tone. That’s why I paired it with Pacific.

(Bottom): Pacific, (Middle): Crystal Pewter, (Top): combined

Vivid Brights Liquid Liner

Vivid Brights in Vivid Fire

(Bottom): Eye/Eyebrow Pencil, (Top): Lip Liner

(Top): Lavender Shimmer, (Bottom): Pale Pink

(L): Color Correcting Concealer, (R): Pro Dual Brow Brush no. 18

And my purchase came with eye shadow samples!

(Top): Morocco, (Middle): Rome, (Bottom): Copenhagen

I didn’t go crazy as it was my first time using NYX products. I wanted to test their products and see if I liked them before buying more. In total I spent just over $62 for 7 items – with a savings of about $15. Not the best of sales I’ve been to, but in general their prices are very affordable so I’m lucky to have had an added discount!

I’ve used almost all the items I bought for about a week now, with the exception of the Lavender Shimmer eye liner and the Rome and Copenhagen eye shadows. The colours are very pigmented, last all day and I find to be good quality.
I’ve been on the hunt for the Color Correcting Concealer for a while, but that was one of the items that was always sold out. I’m happy I finally got my hands on one because I’ve been looking for a portable palette to throw in my makeup bag that I can use under my foundation – especially for my dark circles.

Overall I’m very satisfied with my purchase. I do enjoy the Jumbo Pencil very much and will definitely be getting more colours… when I save some money. Because if you’ve been following my Insta stories you’ll know I went to three makeup sales in one week! My poor wallet.

I’d love to know if you went to the NYX sale and what you got in the comments below! And stay tuned for Haul It pt. 2 & 3 where I review what I got from the Mac/Estée Lauder and L’Oreal sales.

xo
Stephanie

*Note: It took that many transactions because I had to return and buy back all my items a bunch of times because the totals were off since the computer wasn’t putting in the discounts for all the items I’d bought. So kudos to NYX Oshawa for being so patient!

April 5, 2017
FAB FINDS Feat. Kate Spade Jewellery

I may have a little shopping addiction when it comes to Kate Spade. More specifically their outlet stores.

They’re not the biggest of outlet stores here in the Toronto area, but I could easily spend over an hour in there without even realizing it. They just lure me in, because every visit I find they have new items.
Thus, leaving me in the same scenario which always ends up as follows – I’m waiting on a sales associate to price check an item for me that doesn’t have a tag, while I’ve got two purses on my shoulder and I’m balancing five items in my left hand so I can use my phone in my right to calculate my totals.

Never changes.

My last visit though, I told myself I was not going to buy anything since I was only there to help my sister shop for a birthday present. And I was doing very well, until I hit the jewellery stand. As mentioned before, accessories are my thing. Plus, who could turn down an extra 70% off?!

I’m a sucker for bows so I just love this detail. I had been eyeing this rose gold bracelet for a while. I passed it up a few times in exchange for some new purses during past visits. Then for a period, I never saw it in stores anymore and I thought I lost my chance, but when I saw they had stock, I couldn’t miss out again.

I especially like how this bracelet fits my hand nicely. I usually have trouble with sizing bracelets and bangles since a lot of them are too big for my hand and fall off.
This Kate Spade one is made smaller and has a clasp so I won’t need to worry about it slipping off. And I am obsessing over rose gold right now. I’m trying to build a collection and this piece will fit in perfectly!

Though I was content with just the bracelet, but I couldn’t pass up these earrings. I’m in love with this shade of blue. It’s not too bright and they’re just smaller than a dime, so I like how it subtly stands out against my brown hair. It just adds a little something extra, rather than your usual pair of clear gem studs. And they came in at just under $13!

I do love a good sale, so when I see a minimum of 50% off, I usually leave with a larger purchase like a handbag or wallet. Their small accessories always get me too. You can never have too many coin purses or card holders – at least that’s what I tell myself. Stop making such cute stuff Kate Spade!.. but don’t stop, because I love them.

In the end, I spent just over $32 for both items, which is a record for me in that store. So, I’m happy.

‘Til next time Kate Spade!

xo
Stephanie

March 15, 2017
STYLE STEALS Feat. Dynamite

Working in a mall has its perks if you love to shop, but working in a mall can also be the death of your wallet if you love to shop.

When I have time to spare on my lunch or after work, I’m aimlessly walking the mall. I’m always checking out what’s new in store fronts and seeing if I can find those items I’ve recently seen on my Insta feed, in store.
Though, for some reason I notice when I’m on the hunt for a specific item, I can never find exactly what I’m looking for. Or, what happens is I’ll go into a store on the hunt for a particular item, but leave with another. Especially if there’s a sale. I generally have good will power, but sometimes you just come across a really good buy that you can’t pass up!

Most recently, I stumbled into Dynamite because I was looking for this sweater I saw on @jessicajuliien‘s Instagram. Because obviously Instagram is where I do my online window shopping now. It was this black sweatshirt that read, in white print, ‘MY LITTLE BLACK SWEATSHIRT.’ I know, Captain Obvious, right? I just thought it was cute!

Photo by: @jessicajuliien

So I make my way around, scoping the racks of clothing and folded displays. Eventually finding it hanging in the back of the store and it’s as cute as it looks in the photo. At this point I’m basically taking out my wallet, but as I’m reaching to find a size, I’m surprised by the material. I was expecting your basic cotton blend because you cannot go wrong with a cotton sweatshirt. Instead, I’m feeling some shiny scuba knit, which I’m okay with on a skirt or dress, but not what I’m looking for in a cozy casual sweatshirt. How am I supposed to stay cozy, yet fashionable on my lazy days in scuba? It still looks really cute though… And the more I’m staring at this photo, the more I’m wishing it bought it. Dammit.

Anywho… Disappointed, I turn to leave, but of course have to stop by the sale rack to satisfy my internal bargain hunter. You just never know what you’re going to find.
Unexpectedly, I come across a navy blue, velour cami with straps that criss cross in the back. Only one left and a price tag of $5 – I am sold. I mean, duh. It’s $5! The cut for me is too low in the front because the straps are a tad too long, but that’s nothing a little needle and thread can’t fix.

Besides the price, I love how this velour cami can be dressed up or down. The blue is so rich, yet subtle that it can be your pop of colour or stay neutral. I can dress it up by tucking it into black trousers/pencil skirt and throw a blazer/cardigan on top. Or, pair it with denim/ripped jean shorts if I’m going casual. It’s also a stretch material, which I like because I won’t feel constricted if I’m wearing it all day.

Most I love though, is that it was on sale.
Sales are my best friend. Regular price for this shirt I believe was $29.99 – from what I could read of the original tag under all the markdown stickers. Either way, for $5 this was definitely a steal.
Totally happy.

xo
Stephanie

March 2, 2017